The Trouvère Chanson and its Performance

6 sessions
Instructor: Dr. Mauricio Molina

The trouvère chanson is one of the most important and exquisite poetic and musical creations of the Middle Ages. It first developed from the troubadour tradition of Southern France (in langue doc), but rapidly grew into a distinct and diversified repertoire responding to its specific linguistic, politically, social, historical and cultural context. The trouvère chanson found itself at home in the courts and cities of northern France, and was practiced by both aristocrats and the middle class. The survival of a large amount of chansons copied with melodies and descriptions about their performance help us to reach conclusions about the repertoire and its performance conventions.

This online course offers a comprehensive study of the trouvére chanson focusing on an examination of its principal composers and musical sources, its main poetic-musical structures and genres, its historical and cultural context, and its performance practice (vocality, rhetoric, rhythm, ornamentation, and instrumental accompaniment).

Course Methodology

Teaching Methodology

• Instructional videos and recorded lectures produced for each session
• Downloadable reading materials and exercises that support the videos and lectures
• Biweekly Q&A Zoom meetings
• Blogs where students can ask questions and share information
• Personalized instructions in connection to submitted exercises

Duration and Frequency of the Course

The course is open from October through December. It comprises 6 lessons that will be posted once a week during the first 6 weeks (October 1st-November 15). Live Q&A sessions will be conducted biweekly through the first six weeks of the course and will be recorded so that students can access them at any time. Students can work at their own pace throughout the three months, with access to the pre-recorded video lessons, accompanying materials, and the course forums.

Requirements

• Broadband Internet connection / WIFI
• External or internal webcam
• External or internal Microphone
• Speakers or headphones
• Possibility of printing downloaded materials
• Possibility of scanning your assignments